Report: Twin-turbo, carbon-titanium Pagani C9 being developed for U.S. market

We've seen more than our fair share of spy shots over the past couple of years showing test mules for the much-anticipated successor to the Pagani Zonda. What we've been lacking on, however, are details of the car's specifications. Now Britain's Autocar weekly claims to have the inside scoop on how the supercar codenamed C9 is shaping up, and it's looking good.

First of all, the engine: MercedesAMG is once again developing the Pagani's powerplant. But whereas the current Zonda's V12 is naturally aspirated, the new unit – thought to be derived from the SL65's – is tipped to carry twin turbochargers. That should help the C9 churn out some 700 horsepower and 730 lb-ft of twist – considerably more than the current model.

All that muscle is reported to be transmitted to the rear wheels via an X-trac seven-speed sequential transmission, all the while reducing carbon emissions by half. That'll make the C9 – or whatever it's called when it finally hits the market – Euro 5 compliant, but that's not all. Autocar says Pagani is developing the car specifically to meet American federal regulations, meaning that the C9 will be sold Stateside whereas the current Zonda could not.

Construction is expected to take advantage of the carbon-titanium weave that Pagani developed for the ultra-exclusive Zonda Cinque, keeping weight down to around 2700 lbs. Production is supposedly to expand to 40 units per year, but Autocar expects that, despite similar pricing and a big improvement in performance, the current Zonda will continue to be built to order alongside the new model.

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Anonymous

Anonymous

4 Years Ago

@Hoff

This and the GT-R/Veyron are completely different types of supercars. The Veyron and GTR are both heavy, all wheel drive cars, while this is lighter and rear wheel drive. A manual Veyron would be borderline rediculous, the car is about the best technology in the world making the fastest car in the world. A Zonda is more engaged and fun, and a manual would certainly fit the character better than it would in either the GT-R or Veyron.

Anonymous

4 Years Ago

@ ajeezy

I'm with you on the transmission. But... the post did say it was a sequential 7-speed. It didn't say it was lacking a clutch pedal. It could be a true racing box and not a flappy paddle, double clutch, wannabe automatic.

I'm not with you on the turbos though. Forced induction is a beautiful thing.

Anonymous

Anonymous

Anonymous

4 Years Ago

One of the greatest days of my life was pulling up to a traffic light next to car that looked like it came from the future. The light turned green and the Zonda roared away. I'll be glad to see more from them here in the states.